Artificially aged (relic) basses, what's the point?

[jeff62]

Isn't TB wonderful? A brother/sister hood of understanding and mutual respect for our preferences. Except that many of those that don't like relic finishes seem to get their panties in a wad over something that's no different than liking a specific color. Stolen valor? Really? Some folks need a chill pill.

I find it interesting that the admirers of relics seem to be generally complimentary of relics and non-relics alike. Guess we are more open-minded.

 

[DavC]

it's kinda like buying those new jeans that already look worn out , torn & tattered ... = " Looks " mostly , and feels a bit worn in and comfy ..

 

[Bass Man Dan]

Disclaimer: Like I say in all these threads, if you are into relic finishes and enjoy them, dont worry about what anybody else thinks

For the sake of discussion: Some of us just dont get the logic......To use that analogy about wear-n-tear being 'just a finish', rust and dents could be considered finish choices on an automobile......I cant say Ive ever been to an auto show with a vehicle covered in dents or rust...So, at this point, it really is more than just a finish option....Its imitation history or faux street cred ( I can go further and say it is a blatant lie, and this is the crux of it), and this is what many of us dont get or understand (refer to Disclaimer above before responding)

Go on Youtube and search the guy who shot himself in the face to look more gangsta'....thats what its like for many of us

You want to talk about a blatant lie? I checked my tobacco burst bass' finish...not one trace of tobacco in it!

 

[Rib 13]

You want to talk about a blatant lie? I checked my tobacco burst bass' finish...not one trace of tobacco in it!

 

[2saddleslab]

that is a very small specific sub genre of that industry, isnt it? The thing about autos is most people own one and I dare say many folks try not to ding them.....

No matter how big or small the genre, it's still a thing. No different than someone wanting distressed cabinets in the kitchen or aged flooring. Again, just a finish choice.

 

[Andy Daventry]

It's interesting hear people's take on this. Fender roadworn is good stuff, but if I got one I'd always be fighting the urge to take it for a refinish. And I can't stand dirty instruments.

 

[Altitude]

Right. Before you cast the first stone, take a look at the jeans you're wearing.

 

[mcarp555]

Just a reminder in case one is needed; at the Bass Forum Rules sticky at the top of this section, you will find the following:

Since artificially aging an instrument (i.e. relicing) is, at least visually, no different than artificially coloring an instrument (i.e. painting) any posts or threads insulting such procedures are hereby banned under the "no insulting ugly instruments" rule that has been the long-standing policy here at talkbass. You're welcome to give your own personal reasons why you don't like the look of worn instruments, however they ended up in that condition, but slagging the instruments or the players who play them is going to jeopardize your posting abilities here.

Make a note of this. If you don't approve of someone else's finish choice, keep it to yourself, or if you absolutely -must- vent your opinion, tell them privately.

Not saying anyone is crossing the line, but just a word to the wise for any newbies.

 

[2saddleslab]

Isn't TB wonderful? A brother/sister hood of understanding and mutual respect for our preferences. Except that many of those that don't like relic finishes seem to get their panties in a wad over something that's no different than liking a specific color. Stolen valor? Really? Some folks need a chill pill.

I find it interesting that the admirers of relics seem to be generally complimentary of relics and non-relics alike. Guess we are more open-minded.

Case in point: there are a few brands with the ugliest designs imaginable, IMHO. However, there are many fans of these brands. Because they get enjoyment out them their choice should be respected. More power to them. Why pee on someone's parade? Different strokes and all that.

 

[Greg_S]

I don't have 50 years to wait for a natural relic finish.

That and I just think they look cool - same for picking a color on a non relic'd bass I would presume.

 

[InhumanResource]

I mean, you're paying for an extra step of labor so that makes sense. Like when you buy breaded pork chops at the butcher or already made hamburger patties. Of course it costs more.

 

[Madhouse27]

Do any fans of the relic finish want to buy my Toyota RAV4. I think you'll find that the shabby exterior looks quite driven-in and authentic.

 

[Mushroo]

A significant percentage of the world's population thinks that an "imperfect" object is more beautiful than a "perfect" object.

The Japanese call this wabi-sabi.

 

[Rib 13]

Not saying anyone is crossing the line, but just a word to the wise for any newbies.

Yeah, that other thread went bye bye...it was a little heated but I thought everyone on both sides of the aisle were pretty civil so Im not sure why it went away....This is such a taboo subject here but, in bass circles, it has a very broad scope where the topic should be allowed for discussion

 

[Fender_Bender]

Just a reminder in case one is needed; at the Bass Forum Rules sticky at the top of this section, you will find the following:

Since artificially aging an instrument (i.e. relicing) is, at least visually, no different than artificially coloring an instrument (i.e. painting) any posts or threads insulting such procedures are hereby banned under the "no insulting ugly instruments" rule that has been the long-standing policy here at talkbass. You're welcome to give your own personal reasons why you don't like the look of worn instruments, however they ended up in that condition, but slagging the instruments or the players who play them is going to jeopardize your posting abilities here.

Make a note of this. If you don't approve of someone else's finish choice, keep it to yourself, or if you absolutely -must- vent your opinion, tell them privately.

Not saying anyone is crossing the line, but just a word to the wise for any newbies.

That dead horse is really a Phoenix...keeps rising eternally.

 

[Geri O]

Questions like the OP are under the heading of....

"If you have to ask the question, you ain't gonna understand the question".

 

[Fender_Bender]

Why did I buy my roadworn?. Because it's the closest thing to a pre CBS Jazz that I'll ever be able to afford.
Nitro lacquer finish
Flatsawn neck with no carbon rods
Vintage fretboard radius
Very smooth "worn in" feeling to the neck and body that encourages playing
Vintage style tuners but with a much finer gear ratio

 

[gazzatriumph]

By any chance OP, do you own stone washed jeans?

no lol

 

[king_biscuit]

+1. It's like a guy who never served in the military pinning a medal on his chest and claiming he earned it on the battlefield. Manufactured mojo is bad karma.

And no thanks to the popcorn; I'm on a diet.

That argument really doesn't make sense. Would you say the same thing about someone who had enough cash to buy a real pre CBS Fender in the same condition as a modern relic? Would that guy be posing? What's the difference?

 

[saabfender]

Also, karma isn't real and neither is mojo.

Careful. That's bad karma for your mojo.

Are you saying Boy George wasn't karma chameleon?